Skin Consultation: Which serum to use for aging skin? Can sensitive skin types use retinol? Benefits of probiotics in skin care?

Summarized from a consultation originally recorded on October 25, 2023.

Annmarie Skin Care Skin Consultations are FREE, virtual group sessions, hosted live by our in-house skin experts, to provide personalized recommendations and directly answer any skin care related questions. Learn more about our skin consultations.

The Annmarie Skin Care Brand & Collections

What sets Annmarie Skin Care apart from other brands?

At Annmarie Skin Care, we use a proprietary, three-step Energized, Botanical Infusion Process for product creation. We prioritize clean ingredients and transparency, with all ingredients listed on the packaging and website. We go through rigorous 3rd party testing to ensure purity and safety—proudly carrying many MADESAFE certified products. We are also committed to sustainability with recyclable packaging and post-consumer waste materials.

What is the Annmarie Skin Care Signature Collection vs. Annmarie Skin Care Wild Alchemy Collection?

The Signature Collection houses many of our bestsellers, full of our distinct herb-infused formulas that we are known for. They are labeled and boxed with lighter, tan-colored packaging and are a fantastic option for those looking to start with Annmarie Skin Care. The Wild Alchemy Collection, housed in black and gold packaging, is our luxury line, with biocompatible formulations that are potent and chock full of unique, activated ingredients, sustainably sourced around the globe. While all of our products—supercharged and alive—have a spa-like quality to them, the Wild Alchemy Collection takes the ritual of self-care to the next level. The alluring textures and scents, and targeted, visible results make it a treat for any skin care enthusiast.

Can I mix and match products from different collections in my routine? 

Yes, you can customize your routine. For example, you can combine the Phytonutrient Cleanser from the Wild Alchemy Collection with a toning mist and an antioxidant-rich serum from the Signature Collection for a comprehensive routine.

Recommended Skin Care Routine 

What is Annmarie Skin Care’s recommended skin care routine?

For a standard routine that covers most of your bases, we recommend these four steps: cleanse, tone, serum, and moisturize, suitable for both morning and evening. However, this recommendation is flexible and further customizable, and customers can adjust the routine according to their skin type and lifestyle. For example, you can incorporate exfoliation and masking several times a week or a gua sha ritual.

Can I use the Aloe Herb Cleanser, Anti-Aging Serum, and Anti-Aging Facial Oil together?

Yes, this is our most popular combination of products! You can start with the Aloe Herb Cleanser to wash your face, then use the Anti-Aging Serum for deep hydration, followed by the Anti-Aging Facial Oil to seal in moisture for best results.

What are the sizes of your products, and how long do they last? 

Our product sizes vary, and the duration they last depends on usage. You can find information on how long they typically last on the product page on our website.

Cleansing & Makeup Removal 

What makes the cleansing products unique?

Annmarie Skin Care offers four cleansers, including the Aloe Herb Cleanser, Citrus Mint Cleanser, Phytonutrient Cleanser, and Restorative Cleansing Oil. Each caters to different skin types and concerns, with ingredients like aloe, coconut oil, and essential oils, depending on the cleanser.

All of our cleansers are pH-balanced, which ensures that they will not strip skin of its natural oils or disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier. We also do not use any harsh surfactants in our cleansers, but instead use a safe low-foaming option (sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate).

Can Annmarie Skin Care cleansing products be used to remove makeup?

Yes, the Aloe Herb Cleanser is suitable for removing makeup, but the Restorative Cleansing Oil is highly recommended for effectively removing makeup, including waterproof mascara and sunscreen. It is safe for the eye area and doesn’t sting the eyes.

Toning Mists

What are toning mists and why are they essential in a skin care routine? 

Toning mists help complete the cleansing process, offer hydration, and provide skin-supporting nutrients. Depending on the toner, they can also minimize the appearance of large pores.

What are the three different toning mists available, and what are their key features? 

We offer three toning mists: the Rosemary Toning Mist, the Neroli Toning Mist, and the Botanical Hydration Mist With Immortelle. Each has unique properties and is suitable for different skin types.

• Rosemary Toning Mist: Ideal for normal, combination, and oily skin types. Offers a dose of hydration while also clarifying the skin and absorbing excess oil. Perfect for keeping in your gym bag or for a mid-day refresh!
• Neroli Toning Mist: Our most popular toning mist. A simple formula made with aloe vera juice, aspen bark extract, and neroli essential oil derived from fresh orange blossoms. Soothing and hydrating for all skin types. 
• Botanical Hydration Mist With Immortelle: A blend of botanical hydrosols to soothe and calm. Rich in skin defensive antioxidants and frankincense to tone, tighten, and rejuvenate skin. 

How do I use a toning mist in my skin care routine? 

After cleansing, simply spritz the toning mist onto your face, and for best results, apply your serum and facial oil while your skin is still slightly damp.

Why should I use a toning mist throughout the day, and can I use it over makeup? 

Toning mists can be used for extra hydration throughout the day. The Rosemary Toning Mist is also great for minimizing excess oil/shine if you are someone who typically reaches for a blotting paper or powder. They can be spritzed over makeup without disrupting the look of your makeup. They can actually be beneficial when used over makeup as a setting spray and can help prevent makeup from looking “cakey”. Toning mists are a versatile addition to your skin care routine.

Serums, Elixirs, and Facial Oils 

What are the available serum options, and how do they benefit the skin? 

We offer a range of serums, each designed to address specific skin concerns. Our serums include the Anti-Aging Serum, Citrus Stem Cell Serum, Probiotic Serum With Tremella, Wild Fruit Serum, and Activated CBD Serum. Each benefits the skin in different ways:

• Anti-Aging Serum: Plumps and firms 
• Citrus Stem Cell Serum: Brightens and evens skin tone 
• Probiotic Serum With Tremella: Calms and balances skin’s natural flora
• Wild Fruit Serum: Brightens, firms, and revitalizes 
• Activated CBD Serum: Deeply hydrates and soothes 

Can you explain the properties and benefits of the Anti-Aging Serum? 

The Anti-Aging Serum is a versatile product suitable for all skin types. It offers daily skin nutrition, is antioxidant-rich, and contains hyaluronic acid for deep hydration.

What are the specific benefits of the Citrus Stem Cell Serum, and who should consider using it? 

The Citrus Stem Cell Serum is ideal for those seeking targeted brightening, especially if concerned with the look of pigmentation, dark spots, and sun spots. It’s also great for thicker-textured skin.

Tell me about the Probiotic Serum With Tremella and its suitability for sensitive or imbalanced skin. 

The Probiotic Serum With Tremella is soothing and beneficial for sensitive skin and helps rebalance the skin’s pH. It contains tremella mushroom extract, a probiotic ferment, and olive leaf extract.

What makes the Wild Fruit Serum unique, and who might need it? 

The Wild Fruit Serum is hydrating, brightening, anti-aging, and contains potent ingredients like apple extract, resveratrol, kakadu plum extract, and Madonna lily plant cells. It’s an all-in-one serum ideal for all skin types. 

Can you provide details on the Activated CBD Serum, its key components, and the skin types it’s suitable for? 

The Activated CBD Serum is soothing, hydrating, and suitable for all skin types. It contains both water-soluble and fat-soluble CBD, along with other beneficial ingredients like astaxanthin and black cumin seed oil.

How can the Activated CBD Serum help with dry, sensitive skin and temporary redness? 

The Activated CBD Serum is excellent for dry, sensitive skin and can help to alleviate temporary redness and discomfort, making it a valuable addition to your skin care routine.

What serum should I use for aging skin?

While all of our serums contain ingredients that are beneficial for aging skin the Wild Fruit Serum really stands out. Known for its potent plant cell extracts and brightening components. It’s a well-rounded serum that hydrates, brightens, and rejuvenates.

Why is it recommended to use both a serum and a facial oil together? 

Serums provide hydration, while facial oils supply lipids and fatty acids, offering optimal moisture levels for the skin. Combining both ensures comprehensive skin care and are the cornerstones of an anti-aging routine.

How should I apply facial oils in my skin care routine?

After applying your serum, apply the facial oil to slightly damp skin for better absorption. Massage into skin. You can also mist with a toning mist after applying the oil to further dilute the oil to prevent it from feeling heavy or greasy.

What are the different types of herbal facial oils, and which one should I choose for my skin type?

We offer herbal facial oils for normal & combination, oily, and sensitive skin. Choose the one that matches your skin type for the best results.

• Herbal Facial Oil for Normal & Combination Skin: Balances, moisturizes, softens
• Herbal Facial Oil for Oily Skin: Cleanses, moisturizes, calms
• Herbal Facial Oil for Sensitive Skin: Essential oil free, moisturizes, softens 

Can the Revitalize Concentrated Boosting Elixir replace a retinol or retinoid cream in my skin care routine?

Yes, the Revitalize Concentrated Boosting Elixir can serve as a retinol alternative. It contains an algae derived bioactive A-Complex. You can try it as a replacement for your retinol product and observe how your skin reacts. Simply add 1-3 drops of this elixir  to your preferred serum or facial oil and apply in the evening.

How should I use the Revitalize Concentrated Boosting Elixir in combination with other products, especially if I have sensitive skin?

You can mix the Revitalize Concentrated Boosting Elixir with a soothing serum or facial oil to avoid overstimulation, especially if you have sensitive skin. We also recommend applying this product in the evening and avoiding sun exposure the next morning. If you are wanting to incorporate several different actives into your regimen (like using a vitamin C and retinol alternative together), we recommend using them at different times of day. 

What should I use during the day if I use the Revitalize Concentrated Boosting Elixir at night?

Use an SPF product during the day, such as our Sun Love Everyday Sheer Sunscreen, to protect your skin after using the Revitalize Concentrated Boosting Elixir at night.

Eye Products and Look of Dark Circles

Can you recommend products for addressing the look of dark circles around the eyes?

We have two eye products: the Anti-Aging Eye Cream and the Fruit Ceramide Eye Serum. You can use them individually or layer the eye cream overtop of the eye serum. The Fruit Ceramide Eye Serum contains sake peptides which may help retexturize and brighten the look of under eye skin. 

Exfoliation and Masking 

Why is exfoliation important in a skin care routine, and how should I incorporate it? 

Exfoliation is crucial to remove deep impurities and buildup on your skin’s surface. This will improve skin texture and tone, as well as allow treatment products to be absorbed more deeply.  Incorporate it by using our exfoliating products in your routine.

What exfoliants do you offer, and how do they differ? 

We offer three exfoliants: The Ayurvedic Facial Scrub, Kaolin Micro Exfoliant, and Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant. Each serves a unique purpose and has different ingredients.

• Ayurvedic Facial Scrub: A gentle dry herb exfoliant suitable for all skin types. 
• Kaolin Micro Exfoliant: A cream exfoliant made with purifying kaolin clay and crushed bamboo powder. 
• Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant: A combination of honey-derived lactic acid to resurface skin with cooling cucumber and soothing blue tansy to calm. 

How often should I use these exfoliants? 

The frequency varies: The Ayurvedic Facial Scrub is very gentle and can be used daily, Kaolin Micro Exfoliant up to three times a week, and the Resurfacing Facial Exfoliant is applied for 3-10 minutes once a week (twice a week max).

Tell me about your masks. 

We offer various treatment masks like the Illuminating Pearl Mask, Purifying Mud mask, Charcoal Cacao Mask, and Coconut Honey Mask. These masks cater to different needs, from hydration to detoxification.

• Illuminating Pearl Mask: Hydrating, brightening treatment mask to increase radiance and luminosity.
• Purifying Mud Mask: Purifies and remineralizes skin with a combination of rose clay, Moroccan rhassoul clay and chlorella algae.
• Charcoal Cacao Mask: Deeply detoxifies with activated coconut charcoal. Cacao and turmeric provide a potent dose of antioxidants. 
• Coconut Honey Mask: This rich mask deeply moisturizes and soothes skin. Perfect for the dry winter months. 

How do I incorporate a mask into my routine?

Apply to clean skin, allow it to sit on the skin for the recommended amount of time and rinse to remove. Follow with toning mist, serum, and facial oil. The frequency that you will use a mask is dependent on your skin and the type of mask being used. 

Want to join us for our next skin consultation? (It’s totally free!)

Our team of experts has been on a mission to inspire beauty, health, and wellbeing, and we believe there’s no better way to do this than through directly sharing our knowledge and passion for natural skin care. 

Join us for a live session with one of our licensed estheticians where we’ll explore the power of organic, bioactive ingredients, how they interact with your unique skin type, and how to incorporate them into your routine for optimal benefits. You’ll walk away from this consultation feeling empowered to make informed decisions for your skin’s health. Our in-house skin experts are eager to answer your questions, dispel myths, and share tailored advice for each participant.

By signing up for our live consultation, you’ll not only gain access to the latest insights in organic skin care, but also receive exclusive skin care deals only available to those who attend! We can’t wait for you to join our community as we share our love for organic skin care with you!

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